eight brave staff members presented their exciting ideas during the Innovation Challenge.
there could only be one winner.
 

But first, this year's runner-up is...

Marc Bowman, Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist
Faith-Based Partnership

"It’s an exciting feeling to know that our homeless terminally ill patients, and those who transition from the hospital as they need a medical respite and healing phase will have access to a spiritual care practitioner."

As the runner-up (for the second year in a row!), Marc's idea for a faith-based partnership will be considered for implementation in 2020.  Partnering with a non-denominational Faith Chaplain would give clients at our Convalescent Care Program access to one-on-one individual counseling, encouragement and spirituality groups, not unlike those found at more main-stream medical providers. And, according to Director of Performance Improvement, Jen Tate, Marc's idea also "aligns with our Core Values and provides the opportunity for meaning-making in our clients' lives." 

And the winner is...

Lilian Amaya, Lead Community Health Worker
Random Acts of Kindness Initiative

"For me, this is about starting a chain reaction of compassion that will overflow the clinic and make us (clients, staff, everyone!) all feel seen, heard and appreciated."

When this award-winning idea gets implemented later this year, staff, clients and community members will be able to participate in a variety of "random acts of kindness." This includes promoting support groups and healthy coping skills at self-care stations, leaving notes of kindness at a gratitude tree and swapping books through a free library just like the ones you've see around the city! Creating these intentional spaces for care, kindness and connection will expand the way we support each other and our clients. Jen Tate believes that, "this will only enhance the strong relationships that our work is built on while also involving so many people who impact Health Care for the Homeless." Stay tuned for updates!  
 

We work with some pretty innovative and inspiring people.
Take a look at all the ideas staff members presented at the 2019 Innovation Challenge here.